More than 1 million Guatemalans need help after volcanic eruption. Here's how to help.

Lucas Varela and Estephani Ruiz arrive at Jacalito Mexican Restaurant on Tuesday, June 8, 2018, in Little Havana with food and water donations for those affected in Guatemala by the eruption of the volcano called Volcan de Fuego.
Sam Navarro
Miami Herald

Guatemalan and other South Florida residents are gathering assistance for victims of the volcano that erupted in Guatemala Sunday, its lava and ashes leaving at least 99 dead.

Five centers have been set up in Miami to receive the donations, including nonperishable food, baby and adult diapers, blankets, water, juices, first aid items and powdered soap.

Organizers also are asking for boots for the firefighters working in the disaster area, because their boots are melting.

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Firefighters regroup after working on the evacuation of residents near Volcan de Fuego, or Volcano of Fire, in Alotenango, Guatemala, Sunday, June 3, 2018. One of Central America's most active volcanoes erupted in fiery explosions of ash and molten rock Sunday, killing people and injuring many others while a towering cloud of smoke blanketed nearby villages in heavy ash.
Luis Soto
AP

“It's so satisfying to be Guatemalan at this time, because we have been seeing the solidarity of Guatemalans since the disaster, and even people from other countries called to ask how they can help with money,” said Julieta Trabanino, secretary of the Guatemalan-American Association of Miami.

Her association is working with the Guatemalan consulate in Miami to channel the aid needed by the more than 1 million people who have been affected by the Volcan de Fuego, which erupted on Sunday. On Tuesday, the volcano was still recording eight to 10 moderate explosions per hour.

Volcan de Fuego, or Volcano of Fire, blows out a thick cloud of ash, as seen from Alotenango, Guatemala, on Sunday, June 3, 2018.
Luis Soto
AP

“We are very thankful for the assistance that our Guatemalan and non-Guatemalan brothers can give us,” Trabanino said. “The hardest thing is that the people who have been affected are poor and wound up with nothing, losing many relatives and everything material.”

Food donations pile up at Guate Cargo in Little Havana on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The donations are for those affected by the Volcan de Fuego eruption in Guatemala on Sunday, June 3, 2018.
Sam Navarro
Miami Herald

“We are calling on everyone who can help us,” she added.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Miami has established an emergency fund for humanitarian assistance to the victims of the disaster and their families. To make a contribution, visit JewishMiami.org/guatemala or call 305-576-4000, ext. 428.

The Guatemalan Red Cross said anyone outside the Central American nation who wants to help can deposit the money at its account in the Banrural bank, No. 3033699352.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said Washington will provide assistance to the families affected by the eruption and “sends its condolences to the loved ones of the victims who died as a result of this terrible natural disaster.”

“Our embassy in Guatemala is in contact with Guatemalan authorities and is ready to support efforts as needed,” she said. “We express our firm support for the people of Guatemala during these difficult times.”